Neuroprotective and neurotoxic roles of levodopa (L-DOPA) in neurodegenerative disorders relating to Parkinson's disease

Despite its being the most efficacious drug for symptom reversal in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is concern that chronic levodopa (L-DOPA) treatment may be detrimental. In this paper we review the potential for L-DOPA to 1) autoxidize from a catechol to a quinone, and 2) generate other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overt toxicity and neuroprotective effects of L-DOPA, both in vivo and in vitro, are described in the context of whether L-DOPA may accelerate or delay progression of human Parkinson's disease.